Shire plans for a better library

The Shire of East Pilbara is in the process of taking over running of the Newman library service from the Pilbara Institute, with plans to increase opening hours and facilities.

The move has resulted in $250,000 of council funds allocated to pay for 50 per cent of the air-conditioning costs of the building with details in the stages of being finalised, according to chief executive Allen Cooper.

“We want to do all those things that the community has been requesting,” Mr Cooper said.

“It’s a bit hard to not have it open more often.”

Mr Cooper said the change would happen within the next six months.